Recent statistics show that Orange County is becoming increasingly inaccessible for low-income families with troublesome trends surrounding children's health.   The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.   In 2009, the Federal Poverty Level for a family of four was $22,050 while the median family income in Orange County stood at $84,576.

The Orange County First 5 Service Corps program launched in 2002 to help local nonprofit organizations meet crucial community needs through key programs and services.   Today, the program includes 33 AmeriCorps and 60 VISTA members within 47 nonprofit programs!   Our members provide home visitation services, parent education, and insurance enrollment support.   They develop new programs and services, increase community access and utilization, raise funds, and much more!

Through the hard work of our members, we were able to accomplish the following during the 2008-2009 Term:

• 10,921 home-based services to 934 children ages 0 to 5 years.
• Over 200 Parent Education classes conducted covering topics from discipline to nutrition.
• $1,206,000 raised through grants and fundraising activities.
• $249,901 raised through in-kind goods and services.
• 2,003 volunteers recruited to serve 18,826 hours.

The Orange County First 5 program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Services and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County.   It is administered by CONNECT, a project of Orangewood Children's Foundation.

Where are the Alumni?

30% - Continue Education

44% - Work within Host Site or Related Field

26% - Re-enroll for another term

Habitat for Humanity Orange County can be viewed at www.habitatoc.org .